When you measure your heart rate variability (HRV) score, you get a peek into your body's inner workings. It can tell you everything from how hard you trained the day before to the impact of stress on your daily life. But what is HRV and how can we gain useful information from it?
The brain, responsible for cognitive capacity and emotional regulation, sits on top of the nervous system. While algorithms translate EKG information into a simple HRV score, it actually reflects the complex interplay between the brain and nervous system. Understanding how both processes work together is essential for any athlete or professional looking to enhance their performance.
Through millions of years of evolution, the brain evolved to keep us alive and safe from danger. Our ancestors lived in a time of constant peril, where detecting and responding to danger was essential for survival. We developed the ability of neuroception, which refers to the unconscious process of determining whether we are safe or not, and is primarily controlled by the brain stem.
The autonomic nervous system is constantly scanning the environment. When it senses safety, it activates the vagal brake, increasing HRV and ventral vagal activation. Around 80% of nerve fibers connecting the brain to the rest of the body are afferent, meaning that the brain receives the majority of environmental information through our senses.
That is why Optimal HRV believes in the power of HRV. By using HRV, we can learn how to interpret information from our bodies in a clear and concise way. Our goal is to provide you with knowledge and insights into your body's inner workings, empowering you to take control of your health and fitness. With Optimal HRV, you have the power to become your best self. www.optimalhrv.com